Men’s Health edition of The Pulse
You may associate testosterone with macho men or aggressive behavior. However, testosterone plays a much larger role than myths associated with it. It's a hormone in males and females, but levels are much higher in males.
In men, testosterone is a hormone your gonads (sex organs) produce. It plays different roles in three stages of your life.
- Fetal development — Testosterone initiates male internal and external reproductive organ development.
- Puberty — Testosterone causes changes like an increase in height; body and pubic hair growth; enlargement of the penis, testes and prostate gland; and an increase in libido.
- Adulthood — Testosterone is essential for sperm production, new red blood cells, bone and muscle strength, and a sense of well-being.
Testosterone Levels
Having too little or too much testosterone can have a negative effect on your health. It's usually the highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. Look for signs of high and low testosterone levels.
High Testosterone
Testosterone levels vary over time and during the day. Some symptoms of high testosterone are:
- low sperm count
- prostate enlargement with difficulty urinating
- acne
- weight gain
- increased muscle mass
- mood swings and irritability
Low Testosterone
Men over age 45 may have a higher frequency of low testosterone levels. Some symptoms are:
- reduced body and facial hair
- decrease of muscle mass
- low libido
- poor concentration
- brittle bones
Testosterone is essential in men for reproductive and overall health. It's natural for testosterone levels to fluctuate depending on age and overall health. However, if levels are consistently high or low, treatments are available.
Your Primary Care Provider (PCP) can check your testosterone levels with a blood test and recommend treatments to relieve your symptoms.
Resources
TRS-ActiveCare and TRS-Care Standard
If you don't have a PCP or want to find a new doctor, search for an in-network provider that fits your needs:
Or call a plan specialist, called a Personal Health Guide, for help at 1-866-355-5999 or chat through the BCBSTX App 24/7.
TRS-Care Medicare
Call TRS-Care Medicare Advantage Customer Service at 1-866-347-9507, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday. TTY users, call 711.
TRS-Care Medicare Provider Finder
Sources
- Harvard Medical School. Testosterone -- What It Does and Doesn't Do, August 2019.
- Cleveland Clinic. Testosterone, September 2022.